Container for Transporting and Storing a Liquid

ABSTRACT

A container is provided which allows for draining the liquid via one of the openings of the cap and allows for venting the container simultaneously via the other opening of the cap. Advantageously, also rigid containers, even large sized ones, can be used due to the venting function provided by the dual function closure of the container and the cap. In other words, a container with a dual function closure comprised by the cap itself is presented which facilitates draining and venting the container. 
     The cap comprises a locking means adapted to engage with a locking interface of a coupling device. Thus, engaging a locking interface of the coupling device with the locking means of the cap such that the coupling device and the cap of the container are fixed is comprised. This provides a secure and reliable fastening means. 
     Advantageously, the cap can be permanently fixed to the container, i.e. before, during and after draining, venting and/or washing the container. Further, such a container comprising the cap with the two closure inserts facilitates that upon disconnecting the container from a coupling device an automatic resealing of the container is caused. The container as presented herein facilitates the provision and use of a valuable closed transfer system for transferring the liquid from the container. Moreover, this embodiment of the invention provides for a reliable and cheap closing mechanism which is permanently fixed at the container.

The present invention relates to the handling of liquids stored incontainers. In particular, the present invention relates to a containerfor transporting and storing a liquid the container having a dualfunction closure, a system for draining and venting a container and amethod for transporting a liquid from the container to a destinationoutside of the container.

In many technical fields, like for example in the field of liquids,substances are used which may be hazardous for the user or operator. Itis therefore a desire to provide for risk mitigation measures thatreduce the chances of exposing the user with the chemically activesubstances. Moreover, during the transfer of the liquid the avoidance ofspillages is desirable as well. Further, in some industriescontamination of the liquids is strictly forbidden, like for example infood and beverage industries. Therefore, closed transfer systems (CTS)have been suggested for transporting liquids from a container into e.g.other receptacles or systems. However, the currently known systems areonly available for large multi-trip containers or cause high costs dueto the employment of complicated valve technology within the dispensingdevice of such a closed transfer system. The opening and closuremechanism are also based on the application of metals springs which arenecessarily needed for the activation and operation of the employedvalves. Due to the high costs of such spring based opening- andclosing-mechanisms, these opening and closure mechanisms are normallyprovided within the centrally used dispensing device, which is used fora plurality of different containers. Providing a container with apermanent cap that comprises such an expensive, metal spring basedopening- and closing-mechanism is economically not desirable as thecontainers are used only once. Moreover, the container is not acceptablefor recycling if it comprises a metal spring. Therefore, the currentlyused containers merely comprise an opening with a one-time seal, e.g. aseal foil, on top of which an ordinary screw cap is provided. Fordraining the container it is thus necessary to first remove the ordinarycap and to subsequently remove the seal or to puncture, i.e. to pierce,the seal foil with the dispensing device which comprises the closuremechanism. Hence, after decoupling the dispensing device the seal foilis attached to the container opening in a destroyed configuration and noautomatic closure of the opening of the container is provided afterdecoupling the dispensing device. However, such a situationdisadvantageously bares the risk of both contamination and leakage.Further, an unintentional decoupling during the process of draining maycause large spillages and may create an additional operator risk.

There may be a need for improving the transport of liquids from or intoa container. It may be seen as an object of the present invention toprovide for an improved transport of a liquid from or into a container.

The object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.Further aspects, embodiments and advantages of the present invention arecomprised by the dependent claims. The following detailed description ofthe present invention similarly pertains to the container, the systemfor draining and venting the container and the method of transporting aliquid from the container. Synergetic effects may arise from differentcombinations of the embodiments although they may not be describedhereinafter explicitly. The features of different embodiments can becombined unless explicitly stated otherwise hereinafter. Moreover, anyreferences in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scopeof the claims.

Before the invention is described in detail with respect to some of itspreferred embodiments, the following general definitions are provided.

The present invention is illustratively described in the following andmay be suitably practiced in the absence of any element or any elements,limitation or limitations not specifically disclosed herein.

The present invention will be described with respect to particularembodiments and with reference to certain Figures, but the invention isnot limited thereto, but only by the claims.

Wherever the term “comprising” is used in the present description andclaims it does not exclude other elements. For the purpose of thepresent invention the term “consisting of” is considered to be apreferred embodiment of the term “comprising of”. If hereinafter a groupis defined to comprise at least a certain number of embodiments, this isalso to be understood to disclose a group which preferably consists onlyof these embodiments.

Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to asingular noun, e.g. “a”, “an”, or “the”, this includes a plurality ofthat noun, unless something else is specifically stated hereinafter. Theterms “about” or “approximately” in the context of the present inventiondenotes an interval of accuracy that the person skilled in the art willunderstand to still ensure the technical effect of the feature inquestion. The term “typically” indicates deviation from the indicatednumerical value of plus/minus 20 percent, preferably plus/minus 15percent, more preferably plus/minus 10 percent, and even more preferablyplus/minus 5 percent. Technical terms are used herein by their commonsense. If a specific meaning is conveyed to certain terms, definitionsof terms will be given in the following in the context of which theterms are used.

The term “cap” as used herein shall be understood as a sealing capand/or as a cap for closing the inlet of the container. It may also beunderstood or embodied as a sealing bung and/or as a bung for closingthe inlet of the container. Different attachment means may be used forattaching the cap to the inlet opening of the container or to the neckwhere the inlet opening is positioned. For example, an internal threador an external thread comprised by the cap may be used to engage the capwith the inlet opening which may comprise a correspondingcounter-thread. Further, a permanent snap fit or the use of glue forfixing the cap at the container are exemplary embodiments. However,other attachment means may be used for attaching the cap to theprotection container.

Moreover, the term “shoulder” shall be understood as any kind of shapeor contour of the sidewall which facilitates the desired engagement withat least a part of the respective closure insert. Particularly, ashoulder may be embodied as a protrusion which extends from the sidewallof an opening of the cap such that a counterpart of the correspondingclosure insert can engage with the shoulder in fluid tight manner whenthe shoulder and the closure insert are pushed or pressed towards eachother. Different embodiments and more details about said shoulders willbe provided hereinafter. It should also be noted that the terms “closureinserts” and “insert closure” are used interchangeably and synonymouslyherein.

Furthermore, “a liquid” may be embodied as a liquid but can alsocomprise as combination of a liquid with a solid state material, and/orwith a gas. The liquid may also be comprised or stored in the containerin pure form or in combination with different materials like a solventor several solvents.

The term “closure insert” as used herein shall be understood as a plugor a stuff that can be inserted into the cap by inserting it into anopening of the cap. The closure insert, when in its inserted positionand when engaging with the shoulder in a fluid tight manner, realizesreleasably one of the two closing functions of the cap. The closureinsert may have essentially the same diameter as the correspondingopening of the cap. More technical details about these closure insertsas used in the context of the present invention will be describedhereinafter. The closure insert may comprise a sealing ring or othersealing elements so as to releasably seal one of the openings of thecap. Different materials may be used, but, as will be explained indetail, materials resistant to the used liquids are preferred. Specificembodiments of said materials for the sealing plugs, i.e. the closureinserts, are presented hereinafter.

According to an embodiment of the invention a container for transportingand storing a liquid and with a dual function closure is presented. Thecontainer comprises a container body with at least one inlet opening anda springless cap for closing the inlet opening of the container body.The springless cap is attached to the opening of the container body andthe springless cap comprises a first opening and a second opening. Thecap comprises furthermore a first closure insert and a second insert.The first opening is surrounded by a first circumferential wall and thefirst circumferential wall comprises a first shoulder. Moreover, thesecond opening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall whereinthe second circumferential wall comprises a second shoulder. Further,the first closure insert releasably engages with the first shoulder suchthat the first opening is fluid tightly closed wherein the secondclosure insert releasably engages with the second shoulder such that thesecond shoulder is fluid tightly closed. Furthermore, the cap comprisesa locking means adapted to engage with a locking interface of a couplingdevice.

Advantageously, a secure and reliable connection between the couplingdevice and the container can be achieved by the locking means of thecap, which interact and are engageable with the locking interface of thecoupling device. This locking interface and the coupling device will bedescribed in more detail hereinafter. The locking interface may beembodied as a separate component. The coupling device may also beembodied as a single component in which the locking interface isprovided, e.g. as a rotatable part of the coupling device. More detailsare disclosed in this respect hereinafter.

The provided container allows for draining the liquid via one of theopenings of the cap and allows for venting the container simultaneouslyvia the other opening of the cap. Advantageously, also rigid containers,even large sized ones, can be used due to the venting function providedby the dual function closure of the container and the cap. In otherwords, a container with a dual function closure comprised by the capitself is presented which facilitates draining and possibly simultaneousventing the container. Advantageously, the cap can be permanently fixedto or fitted on the container, i.e. before, during and after draining,venting and/or washing the container. Said steps of draining, ventingand/or washing shall be understood to be part of an embodiment of thepresent invention. Further, such a container comprising the cap with thetwo closure inserts facilitates that upon disconnecting the containerfrom a coupling device an automatic resealing of the container istriggered or caused. Thus, the container with such a cap facilitatesthat it is rendered back to a safe state without exposure or spillage assoon as the coupling device is removed. The container as presentedherein facilitates the provision and use of a valuable closed transfersystem for transferring the liquid from the container. Moreover, thisembodiment of the invention provides for a reliable and cheap closingmechanism which is permanently fixed at the container. These aspects andfunctionalities of the container will be described and elucidated inmore detail hereinafter.

The dual function permits an easy use for the operator and is availableat simple and low cost construction. A direct and clean connection canbe established between the container (comprising the cap) to a devicelike for example a crop protection spray system. A coupling device, asdisclosed hereinafter in more detail, can be used for this purpose. Therisk of operator exposure to the liquid, e.g. a concentrate, is reducedby over a thousand times compared to current practices with standardcontainers, which will become apparent form the following explanations.The presented container provides for connectivity without using complexdevices in the closure that are difficult to recover or reduce thecapacity for post use recycling. Hence, the provided container reducesthe complexity of the closure system and at the same time provides for arecyclable container comprising the springless cap. The container of thepresent invention allows for a passage of liquid from the container andallows for a simultaneous passage of air into the container through thefirst and second openings. Further, rinsing water can be guided into thecontainer and rinsate can be guided simultaneously out of the containerusing the two connection points, i.e. the first and the second openingsof the cap. If the requirement for closed transfer is mandated orenforced through other regulatory controls the cap can be permanentlyattached to the container preventing any use except through a closedtransfer system but which is an unavoidable engineered safety solution.

Opening the container and transfer with a closed transfer system can befollowed by re-closure of the container and storage for later use whilemaintaining the minimal exposure risk. The closure technique provided bythe cap eliminates the current barrier between safe techniques for smalland large packs and reduces the end users requirement for equipment tojust one coupling device. This coupling device interacting with the capof the container will be disclosed in more detail hereinafter.Disconnection of the container with the two, or even more, closureinserts from the coupling device automatically reseals the container andrenders it back to a safe state without exposure or spillage. Thefunctionality of a releasable, fluid tight engagement between theclosure inserts and the surrounding walls of the openings of the cap maybe seen as a valve function, which will be described hereinafter bydifferent embodiments.

According to this embodiment of the present invention the cap isprovided in a springless form. Therefore, the cap does not comprise aspring, particularly not a metal spring. Thus, a metal free containerand a metal free cap, which is permanently fixed on the container, canbe provided. This increases the acceptability of the container(including the cap) for recycling. Moreover, the engagement between theclosure inserts and the respective shoulders of the cap walls may beseen as a valve or as providing for a valve function. In other words,the cap comprises a fluid tight closing and opening valve mechanismwhich works without using a spring in the cap. Therefore, the first andsecond openings, the first and second closure inserts, the first andsecond circumferential walls, the first and second shoulders and theengagement between the shoulders and the closure inserts respectively,are providing a springless valve or valve function. However, this doesnot exclude that other parts, like a coupling device which is embodiedseparately from the cap, may make use of a spring. The container withthe permanently fixed cap is spring free and thus facilitates a metalfree solution. Therefore, the cap with its first and second (or evenmore) closure inserts is embodied as a fluid tight, springless closuresystem for closing the container and opening the container. If desired,the springless cap in this and every other embodiment mentioned hereincan additionally be embodied as an elastomer free cap.

As will become apparent from the following explanations, the first andsecond closure inserts are moveable within the respective opening of thecap. Such a mobility or moveability of both closure insert is used tofluid tightly close the openings of the cap and to re-open said openingsof the cap. A forth and back movement of the first and second closureinserts within the cap can be achieved by pushing and/or pulling theinserts along the axial direction of the corresponding opening. Saidaxial direction may be seen as the longitudinal direction of the capalong which the openings extend. In the Figures this axis is shown withreference sign 202. In an embodiment said pushing and pulling isaccomplished by means of corresponding probes of a coupling device. Theachieved movement of the closure inserts represents the transfer of thecontainer from an open configuration to a fluid tightly closedconfiguration, and vice versa. This mechanism can be operated oractivated repeatedly to an unlimited extend. During the openconfiguration the inserts are attached to/engaged with the probes of thecoupling device.

Moreover, as can be gathered, for example, from FIG. 1 the container canbe embodied with one inlet opening which is positioned preferablycentrally at the container and no other cap besides the springless capmentioned above and hereinafter is needed or used for closing thecontainer. In another embodiment

It should be noted that, at least in some embodiments, the cap has afirst or inner side facing towards the container body and has a secondor outer side which faces away from the container body. Moreover thefirst and second openings both extend from the first or inner side tothe second or outer side so as to connect, when in an openconfiguration, the inner volume of the container with the exterior, i.e.the surrounding, of the container.

It should be noted, that in one embodiment the diameter of the first andsecond openings of the cap are the same, i.e. are of an identical size.The same holds true for the diameter of first and second closureinserts. In another embodiment, the diameter of the first opening and ofthe second opening are different and the diameter of the first closureinsert and of the second closure insert are different. Correspondingdifferential sizing of the probes of the used coupling device, of thefirst and the second closure insert and of the first and second openingsof the cap may be used to provide a mechanical lock-key connection whenengaging the cap and the coupling device. This will be explained andspecified in more detail hereinafter.

The container, the springless cap, the first closure insert and thesecond closure inserts may be embodied in various ways regarding thematerial. For example, the material may be selected from high densitypolyethylene (HDPE), fluorodized HDPE, polyamide, polyoxymethylene(POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal and polyformaldehyde, orpolyethylene terephthalate, and any combination thereof. For example, incase food and/or beverages are comprised by the container food specificmaterials coatings can be used.

The liquids may be water-based, based on other solvents, such as organicsolvents, or mixtures thereof, including mixtures of water with othersolvents or mixtures of other solvents without water. The solvent-basedliquids may be based on water-miscible or non-water-miscible solvents.In one embodiment the cap/container is provided with a barrier layer forsolvents. In another embodiment, the cap/container does not comprise abarrier layer. Water based liquids can be used for example in HDPE monocontainers. For the use of solvent based liquids an inner layercontaining polyamide or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or a layer whichis fluorodized can be comprised by the cap and/or the container.Moreover, the container/cap may comprise or consist of PET or maycomprise or consist of painted or varnished steel.

Moreover, the cap may consist of one material or may consist of severaldifferent materials. Further, the cap may be embodied with differentlengths and/or wall thickness of the openings, i.e. bores or apertures.

Moreover, elastomers and/or O-rings can be used in the context of thepresent invention for sealing the system. Different embodiments thereofwill be described herein.

According to another embodiment of the invention a plant protectioncontainer for transporting and storing a plant protection chemical isprovided wherein the container body comprises a plant protectionchemical and/or a plant protection adjuvant.

According to another embodiment of the invention a food container and/orbeverage container for transporting and storing food and/or beverage isprovided wherein the container body comprising food or beverage.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking means ispositioned at a top surface of the cap, e.g. laterally offset from thefirst and second openings.

This embodiment may allow for an easy insertion of the probes into thecap and a simultaneous engagement of the locking means on the cap andthe corresponding locking means on the locking interface of the couplingdevice. For example, the locking interface may be embodied as lockingcollar that is placed axially on the cap and is subsequently rotatedaround the two probes. In this way a secure connection between thecontainer and the coupling device is facilitated by the engagingconnection between the cap and the locking interface.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking means isembodied as a first protrusion, and the first protrusion is configuredto engage with a corresponding protrusion of the locking interface ofthe coupling device.

The first and second protrusion may have various forms and thicknesses.They may be of the same material as the cap or the locking interface,but also other materials may be used for the protrusions. Further, suchfirst protrusion and second protrusion may be embodied so as to form aclaw-type coupling device, which is used to securely attach the couplingdevice to the container via the locking means of the cap.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking means isconfigured as a first part of a bayonet mount and is adapted to beengaged with a second part of the bayonet mount of the locking interfaceof the coupling device.

A bayonet mount is a device and a method of mechanical attachment andmay be seen as bayonet connector providing a fastening mechanism. It mayconsist of a cylindrical male side with one or more radial pins, and afemale receptor with matching L-shaped slot(s). If desired, one or moresprings maybe used to keep the two parts locked together. The slots maybe shaped, for example, like a capital letter L, e.g. with serif, i.e. ashort upward segment at the end of the horizontal arm. The pin slidesinto the vertical arm of the L, rotates across the horizontal arm, andmay then be pushed slightly upwards into the short vertical “serif” bythe spring. The connector is no longer free to rotate unless pushed downagainst the spring until the pin is out of the “serif”. This mechanicalprinciple is applied, for example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24aand 24b . However, in this embodiment a protrusion 2415 of the cap andthe corresponding protrusion 2416 of the locking collar provide for thisbayonet mount functionality. Also other embodiments of the lockinginterface, here the locking collar or locking ring 2402, and of thelocking means at the cap are possible and comprised by the presentinvention. This will become apparent from and elucidated with furtherembodiments described herein. For example, the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 19 comprise such bayonet mount elements.

According to another embodiment the locking means is embodied as annularundercut that releasably engages with the locking interface, for examplethe locking collar, of the coupling device.

According to another embodiment of the invention the first closureinsert and the second closure insert have a different degree of hardnessas compared to the cap, in particular as compared to the respectivecircumferential wall of the cap. The degree of hardness of the insertsmay be larger or may be smaller than that of the cap. This may improvethe opening and closing mechanism provided by the inserts in connectionwith the two probes of the coupling device.

According to another embodiment of the invention the container has avolume of/or has a volume that is from 1 liter to 1,000 liters, such asat least 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, or 100 liters, or from 20 to 1,000liters, particularly 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 100 liters, from 100 to 500liters, and from 500 to 1,000 liters, or above 1,000 liters, or othervolumes in the afore-mentioned range.

According to another embodiment of the invention the springless cap, thefirst closure insert and the second closure inserts are formed out of aplastic material resistant to the liquid.

For example, the plastic material resistant to the liquid may be anelement/material selected from the group comprising high densitypolyethylene (HDPE), fluorodized HDPE, polyamide, polyoxymethylene(POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal and polyformaldehyde, orpolyethylene terephthalate, and any combination thereof. However, alsoother container materials that are resistant to used liquids can be usedfor the springless cap and for the first and second closure inserts andother features mentioned herein.

According to another embodiment of the invention the containercomprises/stores a plant protection chemical and/or a plant protectionadjuvant and is a plant protection container.

“A plant protection container” shall be understood as a container whichis configured, from a chemical point of view, for storing a plantprotection liquid and shall be understood as a crop protectioncontainer. Such a container is adapted for a storage, particularly for along term storage, of liquids and/or plant protection adjuvant and/oragro-chemicals. In this case, the liquid shall be understood as a plantprotection agent, plant protection product, plant protective agent, oras a plant protective product.

According to another embodiment of the invention the first opening has afirst diameter and the second opening has a second diameter, wherein thefirst and second diameters are different from each other.

Providing the first and second openings with different diameters resultsin physically coding the first and the second opening in the sense of amechanical key. In other words, by means of the different diameters thefirst and second openings determine the compatibility with therespective parts of the coupling device. Like a key-lock combinationonly a specific first probe can be inserted in the first opening whereasonly a specific second probe can be inserted into the second opening ofthe cap. Therefore, an unambiguous assignment of each probe comprised bythe coupling device to the respective opening of the cap is provided.

According to another embodiment of the invention the first and thesecond closure inserts each engage with the corresponding shoulder suchthat upon axially pushing one of the closure inserts towards the bottomor inside of the container body said insert disengages with thecorresponding shoulder to be in a disengaged configuration. Moreover,upon axially pulling said closure insert from the disengagedconfiguration and in a direction away from the bottom of the containerbody said closure insert re-engages with the corresponding shoulder suchthat the corresponding opening is again fluid tightly closed.

It should be noted that the previously described movement, caused byaxially pushing and/or axially pulling, is disclosed herewith for thefirst closure insert and the second closure insert and the respectivelyengaging shoulders. In other words, each pair of a closure insert andthe respective shoulder is configured to provide for a respective fluidtight engagement or seal within the respective opening of the cap. Aswill become apparent from an elucidated with the following figuredescriptions the shoulders and the closure inserts are configured and/orshaped to provide for an engagement, which facilitates upon pushingand/or pulling the above described functions. Various contours andshapes of the engaging parts of the shoulders and the closure insertsare comprised by the present invention.

To disengage the closure inserts with the respective wall of the cap acoupling device comprising probes can be used. The closure inserts maybe engaged with the respective circumferential wall such that a firstforce is needed to push the closure inserts out of their respectiveengagement. Further, to engage the coupling front section of therespective probe with the corresponding closure insert a second force isneeded. This second force can also be applied by pushing the two probesonto the two closure inserts. In a preferred embodiment, the first forceis larger than the second force. Thus, when pushing the two probes ontothe two closure inserts and when increasing the applied force, first thetwo closure inserts are engaged with the coupling front sections of theprobes and subsequently, when further increasing the force, the closureinserts are pressed out of their engagement with the cap and the twoopenings of the cap are opened. The two closure inserts, the cap, i.e.the shoulders of the two openings, and the coupling front sections ofthe two probes are shaped such that this opening and closure mechanismis provided. Further details hereof are provided in the context of otherembodiments, for example in the context of FIG. 23.

According to another embodiment of the invention the first closure inthat comprises at least one radially deformable sidewall and a secondclosure insert comprises at least one radially deformable sidewall.Further, the radially deformable sidewall of the first closure insert isadapted to releasably engage with the first shoulder and the radiallydeformable sidewall of the second closure insert is adapted toreleasably engage with the second shoulder.

For example, elastic protrusions, e.g. fingers or hooks, may be used asradially deformable sidewalls. Additionally or alternatively, sidewallsthat are shaped in form of a partial circle can be an embodiment. Thedeflection in radial direction is provided by the radially deformablesidewalls of the closure inserts. Moreover, if desired, recesses can beprovided in, for example, a circumferential sidewall of the closureinserts, respectively, such that the remaining parts or sections of thecircumferential sidewall provide for the desired ability to beelastically deflectable in a radial direction. Such a deflection can becaused upon an axial movement of the closure insert as has beendescribed before and will be specified in more detail hereinafter. Itshould be noted that, in general, axial movements relate to movementsalong the axis shown with reference sign 202 whereas the radialdirection is a direction extending perpendicularly to said axis 202.Axis 202 extends along the longitudinal axis of the openings of the cap,as can be gathered from e.g. FIG. 2. Moreover, during the transfer theliquid flows, more or less, along the direction indicated by axis 202.More details about the flow through one or more openings of the cap andthrough the probes of the coupling device will be given hereinafter.

According to another embodiment the first probe and second probe eachcomprises a recess for receiving at least a part of the radiallydeformable sidewalls. According to yet another exemplary embodiment formclosures between the coupling front section of each probe and thedeformable sidewall of the corresponding closure insert are used for theengagement between the probes and the inserts.

An illustrative example and details of specific embodiments thereof willbe given, for example, in the context of FIGS. 5 and 23.

According to another embodiment of the invention the cap comprises analternative tamper evident cap on top of the first and the secondopenings and/or comprises a tamper evident band attached to the rim ofthe cap.

The integration of a tamper evident cap or a dust cap increases thesafety of the presented container and the presented closed transfersystem. In contrast to known systems, the tamper evident cap of thepresent invention is provided on top of the first and second openings ofthe springless cap and thus on top of the inserted first and secondclosure inserts thereby preventing access to the first and secondclosure inserts without prior removal of the tamper evident cap. Moredetails thereon will be given in the context of an exemplary embodimentexplained below.

According to an embodiment, the tamper evident cap is not welded to thecap but clipped into the cap. This has the advantage that the containercan be filled through the cap closure system and then can be sealed witha tamper evident cap.

Different attachment means may be used to engage the cap with thecontainer. Different types of threads with different geometrical shapeslike length and diameter, a permanent snap fit, a glued cap areexemplary embodiments for said attachment means.

According to another embodiment of the present invention the containercomprises a thread and the cap comprises a thread for being threadedlyengaged with each other. Moreover, the thread of the cap is embodied asan external thread. In a further embodiment the cap is embodied as abung with an external thread, as for example shown in FIG. 2.

According to another embodiment of the invention the external thread ofthe cap and of the container is embodied as an S 56×4 thread. It hasbeen found by the inventors, that such an internal S 56×4 threadprovides for a reliable connection between the container and thespringless cap and also facilitates a high transfer rate fortransporting the liquid in particular when large containers are used.For containers with a volume of from 20 to 1,000 liters, particularly20, 30, 50, or 100 liters, from 100 to 500 liters, from 500 to 1,000liters, or above 1,000 liters the S 56×4 thread has appropriatedimensions for realizing/inserting the first and second openings in thecap, and is a preferred thread for these container sizes. Of course,this thread can also be used at containers having differing sizes.

The size and diameter of the S 56×4 thread is an appropriate compromiseallowing on the one hand a large enough first/second opening tofacilitate an appropriate transfer rate of the liquids. On the otherhand the size and diameter of the S 56×4 solution provides still for agood handling of the cap and the corresponding coupling device duringthe process of coupling and decoupling for the user. Smaller sizes anddiameters would result in decreased flow rates. The solution of the capwith an S 56×4 thread is thus a preferred embodiment optimized for theabove identified needs of the user during the application or operationof the present invention. Particularly, for containers with a largevolume the S 56×4 thread solution of the cap works reliable.

According to another embodiment of the invention the cap is embodiedelastomere free.

For example, when the cap is manufactured out of polyethylene, e.g.HDPE, an elastomer free cap increases the acceptability for recycling aselastomers are different polymers which interfere during recycling.Moreover, each type of elastomer has to be tested and approved incontact with the crop protection product with respect to migration fromor into the elastomer. There are no test liquids for elastomers whichwould allow a lab test to approve the packaging for the transportationof dangerous goods. Therefore each individual crop protection productformulation, which may exceed a number or several hundred or thousandformulations, would have to be tested. In addition, processingelastomers may result in a complex two stage injection molding processwith at least two components, which is more expensive and complicatedthan a conventional single polymer injection molding. The failure ratemay also be increased. Hence, this embodiment allows a cost effectiveand cheap production of the cap by for example injection moulding.

According to another embodiment of the invention the cap comprises alocking means which is adapted to engage with a locking collar/lockingring.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking means arepositioned the top surface of the springless cap.

For example, the locking means may be embodied as claws or asprotrusions which can be securely engaged with a corresponding part ofthe locking collar/locking ring. Also other locking means may beprovided alternatively. After an insertion of the probes of the couplingdevice into the cap of the container the locking collar/locking ring maybe used to hold the cap and the coupling device and lock the engagementbetween them. Therefore, the locking collar and the locking means may beseen as a security measure ensuring the engagement between the cap andcoupling device during e.g. draining, rinsing, venting and/or washing ofthe container. The locking collar or locking ring interconnects thecoupling device and the container having the cap in a secure manner. Thelocking collar may be inserted into the cap by a lateral movement andmay be fixed by a rotational movement.

According to another embodiment of the invention a system for drainingand venting a container is presented. The system comprises a couplingdevice configured to be mechanically coupled to the cap of the containersuch that they are in a coupled configuration. Further, the couplingdevice comprises a first probe which is configured to be inserted intothe first opening of the cap and a second probe which is configured tobe inserted into the second opening of the cap. The coupling device isalso configured, when brought in the coupled configuration to disengagethe first closure insert in the cap from the first shoulder by pushingor pressing or exerting a force onto the first closure insert with thefirst probe. Moreover, the coupling device is configured, when broughtin the coupled configuration, to disengage the second closure insert andthe second shoulder by pushing or pressing the second closure insertwith the second probe. Furthermore, the coupling device comprises alocking interface configured for locking the coupling device with thecap of the container.

The probes may be configured respectively to releasably engage with therespective closure insert. When, from the open configuration, pullingthe probes out of the cap of the container and out of the container, theprobes pull the closure inserts into their respective openings and theclosure inserts are controllably disengaged from the probes to againestablish the fluid tight engagement between the inserts and theshoulders. In the open configuration the inserts are attached to theprobes in the inner volume of the cap and/or of the container.Therefore, the probes are configured to releasably disengage the insertsand the shoulders.

According to another embodiment the system comprises a container fortransporting and storing a liquid which has a dual function closureaccording to one of the herein presented embodiments of the container.

The provided system is a valuable closed transfer system for liquids.The provided system is configured to drain the container via one of theopenings of the cap and to vent the container via the other opening ofthe cap. Advantageously, also rigid containers can be used due to theventing function of the provided system. In the context of the differentFigure descriptions provided hereinafter said coupled configuration willbe disclosed and elucidated in more detail. It should be noted that thepushing and pulling can be understood as pushing axially and pullingaxially, as defined herein. Moreover, it should be noted that in oneembodiment the diameters of the first and second probes may be the sameand in another embodiment they may be different.

The coupling process between the container with the dual function capand the coupling device may be as described by the following example inwhich a container has a size as illustrated above. The container can beplaced on even ground surface and the tamper evident feature is removed.The two probes of the coupling device are correctly lined up with therespective cap opening and an axial force is used to push the two probesthrough the cap, thus engaging with the inserts. Continued insertioncauses each of the closure inserts to become disengaged from theshoulder so that the respective opening is opened. The locking collar ofthe coupling device is then rotated and engaged with locking means ofthe cap. The probes are now in the open position for suction andair/liquid application. Whilst still with the container in the uprightposition the suction line connected to one of the probes is turned on.This creates a slight vacuum in the container which allows the air ventto open allowing air into the container via the other of the probes. Theliquid is then sucked out via, for example, a rinsate pipe whilstallowing air into the container via the other probe. If desired, asubsequent washing step may be carried out as described herein.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking interfaceis embodied as a locking collar which comprises a protrusion.

The locking collar may be have a cylindrical form with an opening in themiddle, but also other shapes like a rectangular shape with an openingin the middle are possible. The locking collar may provide for agrasping element such that the locking collar can easily be moved orgrasp by the user. A high surface roughness may be applied at thelocking collar for a safe handling by the user. One exemplary,non-limiting example of a locking collar is given in FIGS. 3a and 3b andin FIG. 9.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking interfaceis configured as a second part of a bayonet mount for being engaged witha first part of the bayonet mount at the cap of the container.

In other words, the locking interface may be embodied as bayonetconnector and thus is provides for a reliable fastening mechanism. Itmay comprise a cylindrical male side/cylindrical male part with one ormore protrusions, radial pins, or claws and a female receptor/femalereceptor part with matching counterparts like corresponding protrusions,claws or slots. If desired, one or more springs maybe used to keep thetwo parts locked together. The slots may be shaped, for example, like acapital letter L with serif, i.e. a short upward segment at the end ofthe horizontal arm. However, also other embodiments of the lockinginterface, here the locking collar or locking ring 302, and of thelocking means at the cap are possible and comprised by the presentinvention. This will become apparent from and elucidated with furtherembodiments described herein.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking interfaceis configured as a rotatable element which is at least partiallyrotatable around the first and second probes of the coupling device.

Carrying out, at least partially, the rotation of this locking interfacecloses the fastening mechanism, i.e. causes an engagement of theinteracting locking means of the cap and of the locking interface.

According to another embodiment of the invention the coupling devicecomprises a first sleeve which is configured to cover a first apertureof the first probe and comprises the first spring which exerts a forceonto the first sleeve forcing the first sleeve towards the position inwhich the first aperture is covered by the first sleeve. Moreover, thecoupling device comprises a second sleeve which is configured to cover asecond aperture of the second probe. The coupling device also comprisesa second spring exerting a force onto the second sleeve forcing thesecond sleeve towards the position in which the second aperture iscovered by the second sleeve. As explained a probe may be used fordraining of liquid from the container, so that the aperture acts as anextraction aperture. As explained a probe may also be used forintroduction of air, rinsing water, etc. into the container so that theaperture then acts as a feed aperture. Using the term extractionaperture shall thus not be construed limiting for the aperture as it maybe used for several different purposes.

This mechanism, i.e., the provision of probes provided with a springloaded sleeve, provides another risk mitigation measure which reducesthe risk of exposure to the operator from the liquid. Moreover,spillages are avoided by means of the sleeve and the spring basedautomatic closing of the extraction apertures. This embodimentparticularly realizes that, upon disconnecting the container from thecoupling device, the first and second apertures of the probes areautomatically and securely covered by the sleeves. This reduces bothexposure risks and spillage risks. In particular, the first sleeve canbe located around the first probe and the second sleeve is locatedaround the second probe. In this and every other embodiments, thesleeves may be moveably provided, and may particularly be movable alonga longitudinal axis of the sleeves and/or of the probes.

The first and second sleeves may be kept in position by the respectivespring. Each sleeve may be seen as a jacket configured to cover therespective extraction part. Moreover, the term “forcing” shall beunderstood to comprise exerting a force such that the sleeve is pushedor pulled in/towards the direction in which the sleeve covers theaperture of the probe. Nevertheless, the sleeve may be blocked or fixedby means of a blocking element such that a movement towards saidcovering position is currently not possible. However, also in this statethe respective spring exerts a force onto the respective sleeve forcingsaid sleeve in the position in which the respective aperture is coveredby a said sleeve, although the sleeve is hindered to move into thecovering position.

According to another embodiment the first sleeve comprises a firstblocking element and the second sleeve comprises a second blockingelement. The first and second blocking elements are configured to engagewith a respective part of the cap such that upon insertion of thecoupling device into/onto the cap, the first and second sleeves arepressed backwards to release or uncover the respective extractionaperture of the probe.

The first and second blocking elements may be a protrusion orcircumferential collar or the like. Thus, according to another exemplaryembodiment, the first sleeve comprises a first collar and the secondsleeve comprises a second collar. The first and second collars areconfigured to engage with a respective part of the cap such that uponinsertion of the coupling device into/onto the cap, the first and secondsleeves are pressed backwards to release or uncover the respectiveextraction aperture of the probe.

In other words, the two sleeves can be seen as the provision of a valvefunction at the probes, which gets into the open configuration when thecoupling device is pressed onto the cap of the container. For thispurpose the cap may comprise a first and second receiving section whichis configured to engage with the first and second blockingelements/collars of the first and second sleeves to exert the force ontothe sleeves which is needed to move them away from the container, i.e.in the backward direction.

According to another embodiment of the invention the system comprises aprobe holder, and the probe holder comprises a first receiving openingin which the first probe of the coupling device can be inserted andcomprises a second receiving opening in which the second probe of thecoupling device can be inserted. Moreover, the probe holder ispositioned on a top surface of the cap.

In particular, the probe holder may be part of the coupling device.

If desired, the probe holder can be embodied from the materialsmentioned above, in particular HDPE may be used or also polyoxymethylene(POM). The probe holder is configured to hold the probes at the correctdistance for inserting into the cap and to attach the suction andwater/air inlet lines and vent. Moreover, the probe holder can be usedto integrate an air inlet valve, as described in detail herein. Furtherthe probe holder supports or facilitates the locking collar, if such alocking device is used. The probe holder may also act as a base for thetwo springs to take up the spring forces when the two sleeves are pushedbackwards, as is disclosed herein in detail. Additionally, the probeholder may help the user to apply axial force to the probes and thusfacilities an easy handling of the whole device.

According to another embodiment of the invention the coupling devicecomprises an air inlet valve which is configured to facilitate an airflow from outside the system into an inner volume of the container.

The air inlet valve may be brought in communication with or coupled toone of the first or second opening of the cap via one of the first orsecond probes. The system may be configured to draw air out of thecontainer such that a low pressure is created in the container. The airinlet valve is configured to react upon such a low pressure to switch inan open configuration and therefore facilitates the desired air flowinto the container. Thus, at least a small force can be provided bysucking air out of the container with the system such that the air inletvalve is activated. Using negative pressure in the system due to asucking process or a sucking mechanism is comprised by an embodiment ofthe present invention. The air inlet valve may be a spring based valveand the valve may be optimized to prevent a collapse of the containerupon draining the container.

According to another embodiment of the invention the system comprises acap which has locking means which is adapted to engage with a lockingcollar or a locking ring wherein the locking means are positioned at thetop surface of the cap. The system further comprises the locking collaror the locking ring which is adapted for engaging with the locking meanson the top surface of the cap to lock the cap with the locking collar orthe locking ring.

According to another embodiment of the invention the first closureinsert and the first probe are configured such that the first insertenclosure engages with the first probe upon, preferably prior to, adisengagement of the closure insert and the first shoulder. Moreover,the second closure insert and the second probe are configured such thatthe second closure insert engages with the second probe upon, preferablyprior to, the disengagement of the second closure insert and the secondshoulder.

The engagement of the closure inserts with the probes upon, preferablyprior to, a disengagement of the inserts with the shoulders can also begathered, for example, from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, 18and 23. The interaction between the probe and the respective closureinsert allows for transferring the respective closure insert from anengagement with the shoulder to an engagement with the probe uponpushing the insert with probe axially, i.e. into the container, i.e.towards the bottom of the container. In other words, by pushing a probeonto the corresponding closure insert it can be pressed out of its seator engagement with the shoulder. It can also be pressed onto the top endor head of the probe. This is supported by the shape of thecorresponding sidewalls of the openings of the cap, the shape of thecorresponding closure insert and the shape of the corresponding probe.When the closure insert is attached to the probe it can be movedinwardly into the inner volume of the container such that extractionapertures of the probe extend into the container so that liquid can bedrained or air can be vented through the extraction aperture and throughthe respective probe.

According to another embodiment the first probe comprises a firstextraction aperture and a first inner channel which is connected to thefirst extraction aperture, wherein the first probe has a coupling frontsection adapted to couple with the first closure insert, such that uponpushing the first probe onto the first closure insert, the couplingfront section couples with the first closure insert when in itsengagement with the first shoulder and upon further pushing of the firstprobe onto the first closure insert forces the first closure insert offits engagement with the first shoulder such that the first extractionaperture is accessible from an inner volume of the container bodyFurthermore, the second probe comprises a second extraction aperture anda second inner channel which is connected to the second extractionaperture. The second probe has a coupling front section adapted tocouple with the second closure insert, such that upon pushing the secondprobe onto the second closure insert, the coupling front section coupleswith the second closure insert when in its engagement with the secondshoulder and upon further pushing of the second probe onto the secondclosure insert forces the second closure insert off its engagement withthe second shoulder such that the second extraction aperture isaccessible from an inner volume of the container body.

According to another embodiment of the invention the system comprises awashing fluid container which comprises washing fluid. The system isconfigured to inject washing fluid into the container body via at leastone of the first or second opening of the cap, preferably via a couplingdevice as disclosed herein.

The system facilitates that draining, venting and washing of thecontainer can be carried out with one single closed transfer system.Based on the mechanical principle of the dual function closure which isintegrated into the springless cap, rinsing water can passage andrinsate can passage out of the container using the two connectionpoints, i.e. first and second openings of the springless cap. In thiscontext, the term rinsate shall be understood to comprise watercontaining concentrations of contaminants, resulting from the cleaningof containers.

Once a liquid has been drained from the container or once all productshave been evacuated a lever on the air/water inlet pipe can be activatedfor a few seconds, e.g. 1-2 seconds. This allows pressurized water toenter the container whilst closing the air inlet valve. After a fewsecond, e.g. 1-2 the lever is closed and the user can agitate thecontainer to remove any remaining liquid. This rinsate is removedthrough the suction probe whilst air is again allowed into the containerthrough the air vent. This can be repeated several times to remove allremaining chemical if desired by the user.

According to another embodiment of the invention the system comprises adocking station for cleaning the coupling device. The docking station isconfigured to be engaged with the coupling device and configured torinse the first and the second probe of the coupling device. After usingthe system for draining liquids from the container the system can becleaned by docking the coupling device onto the docking station. Anexemplary embodiment of such a docking station is particularly disclosedin FIGS. 12 and 13.

According to another embodiment of the invention the system comprises asealing ring, an O-ring or a foam disc.

Such a sealing ring, an O-ring or a foam disc can be placed between thecap and the opening of the container to fluid tightly seal theconnection between the container and the cap. An upper edge or surfaceof the container presses the used element, i.e. the sealing ring, theO-ring or the foam disc, against the cap, when the cap is screwed ontothe container via the used thread. The sealing ring, the O-ring and thefoam disc may be formed, for example, out of polyethylene. In anotherembodiment, the sealing ring, the O-ring and the foam disc may be formedout of a non-polymeric material.

According to another embodiment of the invention a crop protection spraysystem is presented. The crop protection spray system provides for aspraying device and comprises a system for draining and venting acontainer according to one of embodiments described before orhereinafter.

The crop protection spray system may comprise means for draining and/orsucking the liquid out of the container. For example, a pump with one ormore connecting hoses may be comprised for such purposes, saidconnection hose or hoses e.g. being connected to the described couplingdevice, e.g. to a probe thereof.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention the cropprotection spray system comprises an agricultural machine, in particulara tractor, to which the sprayer device and the system for draining andventing a container are attached.

According to another embodiment of the invention a method oftransporting a liquid from a container to a destination outside of thecontainer is presented. The method comprises the step of providing forthe plant protection container having a container body which comprisesthe liquid and/or the plant protection adjuvant. Therein the containerbody comprises at least one inlet opening and a springless cap attachedto the inlet opening closing the inlet opening, wherein the capcomprises a first opening, a second opening, a first closure insert anda second closure insert. Further, the first opening is surrounded by afirst circumferential wall, and the first circumferential wall comprisesa first shoulder, wherein the second opening is surrounded by a secondcircumferential wall and the second circumferential wall comprises asecond shoulder. Moreover, the first closure insert releasably engageswith the first shoulder such that the first opening is fluid tightlyclosed and the second closure insert releasably engages with the secondshoulder such that the second opening is fluid tightly closed. The capcomprises a locking means adapted to engage with the locking interfaceof a coupling device. The method further comprises the steps of couplingthe container via the springless cap with a coupling device therebyinserting a first probe of the coupling device into the first opening ofthe cap and inserting a second probe of the coupling device into thesecond opening of the cap thereby engaging the locking interface of thecoupling device with the locking means of the cap such that the couplingdevice and the cap of the container are fixed. Further, disengaging thefirst closure insert and the first shoulder by axially pushing the firstclosure insert by the first probe and/or disengaging the second closureinsert and the second shoulder by axially pushing the second closureinsert by the second probe is comprised by the method. And transportingthe liquid from the container body through at least one of the firstopening and the second opening to the destination outside of thecontainer is also comprised.

According to another embodiment the locking means of the cap isconfigured as a first part of a bayonet mount and the locking interfaceis configured as a second part of the bayonet mount. The method furthercomprises the step rotating the locking interface of the coupling devicesuch that the bayonet mount formed by the locking interface and thelocking means of the cap is closed.

According to another embodiment the method further comprises the step ofventing the container by guiding air through an air inlet valve andthrough one of the probes of the coupling device and through one of theopenings of the cap.

Therein the venting can be carried out simultaneously to the step ofdraining. Therefore, also rigid container embodiments can be used withthe present invention without having the risk of imploding containers.

In general, the present invention relates to flexible and non-flexiblecontainers as well. Moreover, flexible containers as pouches shall becomprised by the present invention. In particular, pouches with astructured surface, which allows for a complete draining, shall becomprised. Such structured surface can be configured such that an effectof a plurality of rinsate pipe is realized.

According to another embodiment the method comprises inserting washingfluid into the container via the first opening of the cap and suckingsimultaneously or subsequently the washing fluid out of the platprotection container via the second opening of the cap. Thus acirculation of the washing fluid through the provided closed transfersystem of the present invention can be realized.

Moreover, the step of washing the container by the following procedureis comprised by another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Rinsing awashing liquid into the container via the first probe of the couplingdevice and via the opened first opening and transporting rinsate fromthe container to the outside of the container via the second opening andvia the second probe of the coupling device.

According to another aspect of the present invention a plant protectioncontainer for transporting and storing a plant protection chemical andwith a dual function closure is presented. The plant protectioncontainer comprises a container body with at least one inlet opening, aspringless cap for closing the inlet opening of the container body,wherein the cap is attached to the inlet opening of the container body,wherein the cap comprises a first opening and a second opening. The capcomprises a first closure insert and a second closure insert, whereinthe first opening is surrounded by a first circumferential wall and thefirst circumferential wall comprises a first shoulder. Further, thesecond opening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall and thesecond circumferential wall comprises a second shoulder. The firstclosure insert releasably engages with the first shoulder such that thefirst opening is fluid tightly closed, and the second closure insertreleasably engages with the second shoulder such that the second openingis fluid tightly closed.

These and other features of the invention will become apparent from andelucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in thefollowing drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a container, a cap and a coupling deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a cap as used in an exemplary embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a container according to another exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4a and 4b schematically show the interaction between the first andsecond probes with first and second closure inserts according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 schematically shows the mechanical interaction between ashoulder, a closure insert and a probe used in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically show a closure insert in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically show a coupling front section adapted tocouple with an closure insert, e.g. as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, asused in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 10 and 11 schematically show a part of an opening of a cap as usedin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 12 and 13 schematically show a docking station for cleaning thecoupling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 schematically shows a container with specific thread accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 15 to 17 show different aspects of a system for delivering theliquid from a container to another container in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 schematically shows probes and a probe holder used in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 schematically shows a cap with locking means and a lockingcollar or a locking ring in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 20 schematically shows a crop protection spray system according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method of transporting aliquid container to a destination outside of the container according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 schematically shows a tamper evident cap in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 shows a cross section through a cap in which first and secondclosure inserts are inserted and into which first and second probes areintroduced according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 24a and 24b schematically show a cap with a coupling device inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 schematically shows a cap with a nozzle in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

In principle, identical parts are provided with the same or similarreference symbols in the figures.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a container 100 for transporting and storinga liquid and with a dual functional closure. The container 100 of FIG. 1comprises a container body 103 with at least one inlet opening 104. Aspringless cap 105 is shown which is configured to close the inletopening of the container body. The cap comprises two locking means 114,115 in form of undercuts that extend on the top surface of the cap alongthe circumference of the cap. Locking means 114 and 115 are adapted toengage with a locking interface of a coupling device.

The locking means 115 and 116 are provided on a top surface of the cap105 and here the locking means are embodied as inverted L-shapedprotrusions 115, 116 at diametrically opposed position on the top of thecap. As can be seen, in this example, the horizontal or upper leg ofeach of the L-shaped protrusions is outwardly directed relative to thevertical leg that is integral with the rest of the cap. The cap 105 isembodied as a relatively cheap product and as a disposable product. Asillustrated by arrow 112 the cap can be attached to the inlet opening ofthe container body by appropriate attachment means. The cap 105comprises a first opening 106 and a second opening 107 both extendingvertically, i.e. in the direction from the top to the bottom of FIG. 1.This direction is termed axially and is precisely defined, in general,with respect to axis 202 of FIG. 2. In the first opening the firstclosure insert can be inserted and in the second opening a secondclosure insert can be inserted. However, due to illustrative reasons thefirst and second closure inserts are not shown in FIG. 1. Moreover, FIG.1 shows a coupling device 102 which is configured to be coupled to thecap 105 via its two probes. The probes protrude protruding from a topsurface of the coupling device. The container shown in FIG. 1 canpreferably have a size of from 1 liter to 1.000 liters, such as at least1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, or 100 liters, or from 20 to 1.000 liters,particularly 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 100 liters, from 100 to 500 liters,and from 500 to 1.000 liters, or above 1,000 liters, or other volumes inthe afore-mentioned range. Also other sizes and volumes are possible. Inanother embodiment that can be combined with the embodiment of FIG. 1the cap 105 and the closure inserts are made of high densitypolyethylene (HDPE), fluorodized HDPE, polyamide, polyoxymethylene(POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal, and polyformaldehyde, orpolyethylene terephthalate, or any combination thereof.

As can be gathered from FIG. 1 an external thread 113 is provided at thespringless cap 105. This external thread allows for a threadedengagement between the inlet opening 104 of the container 100 and thecap 105. As will become apparent from the descriptions of the detailedembodiments of the present invention specific threads might be of aparticular advantage. Therefore, the system shown in FIG. 1 provides fora reliable and cheap closing mechanism which is permanently fixed at thecontainer 100. The two probes shown at the coupling device 102 aresurrounded by two sleeves which are attached movably such that thesleeves can be pushed along the longitudinal axis of the two probes. Insuch a situation, the two springs of the coupling device would bepressed to a compressed state. When inserting the coupling device 102into the cap 105, such a movement of the two sleeves and such acompression of the two springs is realized. This aspect will beelucidated further in the context of FIGS. 3 and 18 and has beendescribed before.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a container 203 to which a springless cap 209is attached. The cap comprises a locking means 211 adapted to engagewith a locking interface of a coupling device. The springless cap 209can be embodied elastomere free and can be permanently fixed to thecontainer 203 thereby allowing for draining and venting connection viathe first and second openings of the cap. The shown axis 202 extendsperpendicularly to the bottom of the container. Also in this embodimentof the cap an external thread 208 is provided. Moreover, acircumferential groove 204 is provided around the first opening suchthat a rinsing pipe can be inserted into the cap to be fixed in theshown position. Such a rinsing pipe is shown, for example, in FIGS. 1and 3. The rinsing pipe extends perpendicularly from the top of thecontainer to the bottom of the container and can be used for draininglarge containers. In case the container volume exceeds 20 liters or 50liters it is impossible, or at least inconvenient, for the user to liftthe container and rotate it during the draining procedure. Consequently,the rinsing pipe improves the transfer of such volumes of the chemicalout of a large container. The rinsing pipe may be glued into the grooveor may also be pressed into the groove. FIG. 2 also shows exemplaryembodiments of the first shoulder 200 and the second shoulder 201 whichare configured to fluid tightly engage with the first and second closureinserts described herein. For example, embodiments of the inserts areshown in e.g. FIGS. 3, 4 a and 4 b. Moreover, both the first and secondopenings of the cap 209, comprise a circular step 206, 207. As can begathered from FIG. 2 recessions or grooves 205 and 210 are provided inthe cap, in particular behind the circumferential walls that engage withthe closure inserts, such that said walls have an increased flexibility.It should be noted, that the shoulder according to the present inventiondoes not have to be a circumferential shoulder but can only be aprotrusion that extends along partial sections of the circumferentialwall 207 and 206 respectively. Upon pressing the closure inserts out ofthe engagement with these walls, or the shoulders 200 and 201, the wallsmay deflect outwardly allowing for disengagement between the closureinserts and the shoulders. This aspect will also be described in detailin the context of FIG. 23. If desired the cap can also be embodied withtwo openings 205, 206 which have the same diameter. FIG. 2 also depictsan inverted L-shaped protrusions 215 at the top of the cap to form alocking means of the cap.

FIG. 3 shows another exemplary embodiment of a container with a dualfunction closure and the corresponding closed transfer system. Thecontainer 301 comprises cap 305 with openings 313 and 314 in which thefirst and second closure inserts 306, 307 are inserted such that theyengage with the respective shoulders of the openings. The cap 305comprises two openings in which first and second sleeves 303, 304 areinserted together with the first and second probes 301 and 302. Adraining flow is depicted via arrows 309 whereas the air inlet flow isdepicted with arrows 310. Therefore, FIG. 3 depicts a closed transfersystem 300 with a draining and venting functionality at low costs andwith a solution that can be permanently fixed at the container and whichis acceptable for recycling. Venting can be carried out simultaneouslyto the draining and the container with the closure inserts can beembodied spring free and therefore metal free. In addition, fast andreliable full closure mechanism is presented which can be embodied metalfree. FIG. 3 also shows that the sleeves each comprise a blockingelement 316, 315 which are configured to engage with a respective partof the cap such that upon insertion of the coupling device into/onto thecap, the first and second sleeves are pressed backwards to release oruncover the respective extraction aperture 311, 312 of the probe. Thishas been described before in more detail. Said blocking elements 316,315 may be a protrusion or circumferential collar or the like.

FIGS. 4a and 4b are two illustrations of probes and closure inserts usedin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Therein, FIG. 4a is a complete depiction of a first and a second probeand first and second closure inserts whereas FIG. 4b is a crosssectional view of said elements. First probe 401 comprises a firstinternal channel 403 which is connected to the first extraction aperture409. A circumferential recess 407 provides enough space the inwardlymoving sidewalls 413 of the closure insert 410. A circumferential edge408 extends around the complete circumference of the first probe 401.Moreover, the coupling front section 420 is shown which is adapted to becouple with the first closure insert 411. If desired form closuresbetween the section 420 and the deformable sidewall of the closureinsert can be used. Several radially deformable sidewalls 413 aredepicted and also a recess 414 is shown in FIG. 4a . In a similar way,the second probe 402 comprises a second extraction aperture 410 and hasa second inner channel 404 which is connected to the second extractionaperture 410. The coupling front section 421 of the second probe isadapted to couple with the second closure insert such that upon pushingthe second probe onto the second closure insert the coupling frontsection couples with the second closure insert. Such a coupling is alsoachieved during the engagement of the second closure insert with thesecond shoulder as depicted with 201 in FIG. 2. Upon further pushing ofthe second probe onto the second closure insert the second closureinsert is forced off its engagement with the second shoulder such thatthe second extraction aperture 410 is accessible from an inner volume ofthe container body. The same principle applies for the previouslydescribed first probe 401 and first closure insert 411. As can be seenfrom the cross sectional view of FIG. 4b the closure inserts comprise abottom 419 as well as an angled section 418 that builds the form closurewith an angled counter part of the front section 420. Aspects of theform closure have been described previously and will be disclosed inmore detail in the following. Moreover, the protrusion 417 of theradially deformable sidewall facilitates the mechanical engagement forengaging and re-engaging the closure inserts with the respectiveshoulder.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention a combination 500comprising a probe 501, a circumferential wall 502 and closure insert503 is presented. Although a specific embodiment of a closure insert, acoupling section of a probe and a section of a circumferential wallcomprising a shoulder is shown in FIG. 5 the present invention shall notbe de-limited to this specific shape, contour and engagement mechanism.Upon the movement of the probe 501 along the longitudinal axis 504 theclosure insert 503 can be pushed out of its engagement. Thecircumferential edge 507 abuts at the coupling surface 506 of thecircumferential wall of the cap. After the draining and/or ventingand/or washing is completed, the probe 501 can be pulled back into therespective opening of the cap such that an engagement between the probe501 and the closure insert 503 at the form closure sections 508, 509 isde-coupled/disengaged. Subsequently, the closure insert 503 is againengaged with the inner surface of the circumferential wall 502 by meansof the shoulder. Deviations from the engaging parts which provide forthe fluid tight closure between the closure insert and the opening inthe circumferential wall on the one hand and the engagement between theclosure insert and the probe on the other hand are possible. FIG. 5depicts only one specific example thereof.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a detailed view of an embodiment of an closure insert600 wherein a cross sectional view 700 is depicted in FIG. 7. Acircumferential recess 601 is shown at the bottom of the closure insertwhich comprises a partial circumferential wall 603 having outwardly andinwardly extending protrusions 604. In addition, recess 602 separatesadjacently positioned sidewalls 603. In the corresponding crosssectional view depicted in FIG. 7 it can be seen that an inner surfaceof the closure insert has an angled surface 703 which extendscircumferentially. Moreover, a vertical surface also extendscircumferentially and follows the main shape of the closure insert whichis shaped circularly. Protrusion 704 is also comprised as well as outersurface 702 which extends vertically. Also recess 701 and bottom 705 areshown.

FIG. 8 shows a coupling front section 801 of probe 800 being partiallyshown in FIG. 8. The coupling front section comprises a verticallyextending surface 802 below which an angled surface or collar 803 isprovided. Both surfaces 802, 803 extend around the completecircumference of the closure insert. Also recess or depending 804 isshown. FIG. 9 shows a cross section through the coupling front sectionof the probe of FIG. 8. Cross section 900 shows the top surface 901 anda vertically extending surface/collar 902. Moreover, the slopedsurface/collar 903 is depicted below the vertical collar 902. The recess904 is shown for allowing an inwardly directed movement of the sidewallsof the closure insert.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a retaining tube 1000 were the plugs, i.e. closureinserts, are engaged and the two probes inserted. One can see the part1000 as well in FIG. 5. A circumferential shoulder 1002 on the inside oftube 1000 is depicted. Also a circumferential shoulder 1001 on theoutside of tube 1000 is shown.

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict a docking station 1200 wherein FIG. 13 shows across section 1300 thereof. Such a docking station may be part of, forexample, a crop protection spray system as described herein. Twoopenings 1203, 1204 for receiving the first and second probes of thecoupling device are provided. Moreover, bayonet locking means 1201, 1202similar to the locking means that have been described before areprovided. Moreover, a rinsate pipe 1205 is comprised by the dockingstation 1200. The rinsate pipe is connected to the openings 1204 and1203 via respective channels. After an intensive use of the couplingdevice, i.e. at a crop protection spray system, the cleaning proceduremay be carried out by means of rinsing the coupling device with thedocking station 1200. Therefore, the docking station fits the dimensionsof the coupling device and is thus configured to receive the couplingdevice. This may enhance and increase the lifetime of the used couplingdevice and elements attached thereto.

FIG. 14 shows the container 1400 with a container body 1401. A specificthread is provided at the container 1400 which has proven to beextremely valuable when draining large containers. In detail an S 56×4thread is shown which is used at the container and at the correspondingspringless cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. As can be seen the first outer diameter 1402 is 71.8 mm witha tolerance of −0.3 mm. Moreover, the inner diameter of the thread 1403is 52.5 mm with a tolerance of +0.3 mm. In addition, the height of theneck 1404 is 20.4 mm with a tolerance of +/−1 mm. It should be noted,that also containers with threads having only one of the previouslymentioned diameters 1402 and 1403 but having other parameters asmentioned before is disclosed herewith. Of course, the correspondingspringless cap as described before and hereinafter comprises acorresponding counter thread such that the cap can be threadedly engagedwith the head of the container 1400. In this case, also the externalthread of the cap is termed S 56×4 thread. According to anotherexemplary embodiment the S 56×4 thread solution comprises a dip tube andthe first circumferential wall comprises a circumferential groove intowhich the dip tube is inserted. As can be gathered from for exampleFIGS. 1 and 2 the dip tube connects the first opening of the springlesscap with the inner volume of the container. Moreover, such a dip tubeeases the draining process in case large liquid containers are used. Inparticular, in case containers have a volume increasing 20 liters ormore as mentioned above, such a dip tube allows draining the containerwhen standing on the ground. In other words, this embodiment providesfor an advantageous cap which receives the dip tube and guides theliquid directly into the opening for being sucked away through theinserted probe of the coupling device.

According to another embodiment of the invention a system for deliveringa liquid from a container is provided. FIGS. 15 to 17 show differentelements and aspects of such a system. In particular, FIG. 15 shows sucha system 1500 which comprises a system 1501 for draining and venting acontainer as described herein. Moreover, connection hose 1502 isprovided which is coupled to a dosing device 1503. A second container1504 can be filled with the liquid via the springless cap of the presentinvention through the hose 1502 and the dosing device 1503 and via theadapted cover or cap 1505 of the second container 1504. A suckingmechanism of the dosing device 1503 may be used to precisely dose thevolume of liquids into the second container 1504. Of course, the use andapplication of the system 1500 does not depend on the volume of thecontainer of the system 1501.

FIG. 16 shows that the cover 1505 has been supplemented by an interface1600 that is fixed at the cover 1505. The tip of the dosing device 1503is depicted with 1601 in FIG. 16 as it extends through the cover 1505and through the interface 1600. In analogy to the closure inserts thathave been described before 1602 depicts such a closure insert which canbe engaged with the coupling front section 1702 of the dosing device1503. Similar to the coupling device that has been described before, aspring 1701 of the dosing device 1503 and also a sleeve 1700 is used forthe purpose of closing an extraction aperture of the dosing device 1503.This extraction aperture is not shown in FIG. 17.

This small volume delivery system 1500 is an option for small farmers touse the connection system disclosed herein and facilitates the dosing ofcrop protection products. At very small sprayers or knapsack sprayers(carried on the shoulders) there is neither a loop system whichcirculates the water with crop protection product nor a suction pump.Therefore the cap and the coupling device may not be applicable at suchsimple sprayers. By connecting the suction syringe/suction probe shownin FIG. 17 with the small bottle shown in FIG. 15 and then againconnecting the outlet of the syringe/probe via an interface 1600 shownin FIG. 16, to the sprayer a closed transfer can be realized. Thereforeeven small farmers can use the system 1501 for draining and venting acontainer as disclosed herein and they can reduce user contamination andenvironmental contamination in combination with accurate and quickdosing.

FIG. 18 schematically shows first and second probes 1800, 1801 and probeholder 1804. The coupling device makes use of the first sleeve 1806 anda second sleeve 1807 which further increases security for the user anddecreases spillages of the liquid. The first and second sleeves eachcomprises a collar 1813, 1812 as blocking elements which is shapedaround the circumference of the respective sleeve. The two collars areconfigured to engage with a respective part of the cap, e.g. the capshown in FIG. 19, such that upon insertion of the coupling deviceinto/onto the cap, the first and second sleeves are pressed backwards torelease or uncover the respective extraction aperture of the probe.Consequently, the first and second sleeve provide for a valve function,which gets into the open configuration when the coupling device ispressed onto the cap of the container. For this purpose the cap asdescribed herein may comprise a first and second receiving section whichis configured to engage with the first and second collars of the firstand second sleeves to exert the force onto the sleeves which is neededto move them away from the container, i.e. in the backward direction. Indetail, the first sleeve 1806 is pushed by the first spring 1810 towardsthe position at which the first extraction aperture 1808 is covered bythe first sleeve, i.e. in a closed configuration. The same holds truefor the second sleeve 1807, the second spring 1811 and the secondextraction aperture 1809. Consequently, when decoupling the couplingdevice from the cap the sleeves automatically close the extractionapertures such that no liquid is spilled. Moreover, the perspectiveshown in FIG. 18 shows that the second closure inserts 1802 and 1803 canbe disengaged with the slanted top end of the probes. The cross section1805 of probe holder 1804 depicts two openings for inserting the probes.It is thus understood, that the closure inserts couple with the frontsection of the probes. This may also hold true for other embodimentspresented herein.

FIG. 19 schematically shows cap 1901 having two locking means 1902 and1903 which are positioned at the top of surface 1904 of cap 1901. Thelocking collar or locking ring 1900 has one corresponding protrusion1905 per means 1902, 1903 for fixing the probe holder 1804 to the cap1901. Such a fixation may be carried out by a first translationalmovement of the collar towards the cap along axis 202 shown in FIG. 2and a subsequent rotational second movement of the collar. When engagingthe protrusion 1905 with the slit below the claws 1901, 1902 locking isachieved between the locking collar or locking ring and the cap. Thelocking collar or locking ring, which is a means for interconnecting thecoupling device and the container in a secure manner, can also beinserted by a lateral movement and then fixation can be done by arotation. As said before, the locking collar comprises locking meansthat are configured to engage with locking means 1902, 1903 of the cap,such that a fixation of the coupling device at the container is achievedby rotation. Elements 1902 and 1903 may also be seen as respectiveannular undercut that releasably engages with the locking collar of thecoupler, i.e., elements 1905 and 1900.

In other words, locking ring 1900 may be seen as an embodiment of thelocking interface which is configured as a second part of a bayonetmount for being engaged with the first part of the bayonet mount at thecap 1901 of the container. The locking interface 1900 is configured as arotatable element which is at least partially rotatable around the firstand second probes of the coupling device, shown e.g. in FIG. 18 Theprotrusions 1902, 1903 are configured as the first part of a bayonetmount for being engaged with a second part of the bayonet mount at thecoupling device. This facilitates a secure fastening of the couplingdevice at the container at which cap 1901 is fixed.

According to another embodiment of the invention FIG. 20 shows a cropprotection spray system 2000 comprising a sprayer device 2001 and asystem for draining and venting a container as has been described beforeand will be disclosed hereinafter. Moreover, an agricultural machine,embodied as a tractor 2002 is presented. The sprayer device 2001 and thesystem for draining and venting a container are attached to the tractor.Therefore, a safe, reliable and high throughput distribution of theliquid is provided. Moreover, an easy and convenient coupling isprovided for the user and the risk of contamination or spillage issignificantly reduced by this embodiment of the present invention.Moreover, crop protection spray system 2000 may comprise a dockingstation 1200 as exemplarily disclosed in the context of FIG. 12. Inaddition or alternatively, the crop protection spray system 2000 maycomprise a flow meter such that draining a container with the system ofthe present invention can be controlled very precisely by the user. Thisis another advantage over manually pouring a container.

FIG. 21 shows a flow diagram of a method of transporting a liquid from acontainer to a destination outside of the container. In this method thecontainer having a container body which comprises the liquid is providedin step S1. Therein the container body comprises at least one inletopening and a springless cap attached to the inlet opening closing theinlet opening, wherein the cap comprises a first opening, a secondopening, a first closure insert and a second closure insert. Moreover,the first opening is surrounded by a first circumferential wall, and thefirst circumferential wall comprises a first shoulder, wherein thesecond opening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall and thesecond circumferential wall comprises a second shoulder. Further, thefirst closure insert releasably engages with the first shoulder suchthat the first opening is fluid tightly closed and the second closureinsert releasably engages with the second shoulder such that the secondopening is fluid tightly closed.

The method further comprises the steps of coupling the container via thespringless cap with a coupling device thereby inserting a first probe ofthe coupling device into the first opening of the cap and inserting asecond probe of the coupling device into the second opening of the cap.This is shown in FIG. 21 with S2. Further, the step of disengaging thefirst closure insert and the first shoulder by axially pushing the firstclosure insert by the first probe and/or disengaging the second closureinsert and the second shoulder by axially pushing the second closureinsert by the second probe is shown with S3. The liquid is transportedfrom the container body through at least one of the first opening andthe second opening to the destination outside of the container in stepS4.

It should be noted that any other container embodiment, systemembodiment and crop protection spray system, as described herein, can beused with this method.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the method the container body isvented through the other of the first opening and the second openingduring the step of transporting the liquid. As further specifiedembodiments, the method may comprise other method steps as has beendescribed before.

Moreover, a method of using the system for draining and venting acontainer is described in more detail hereinafter. In this example thecoupling device is pushed onto the springless cap of the container suchthat the first probe is connected with the first opening of the cap andthe second probe is connected with the second opening of the cap. Arotational movement is carried out subsequently for locking the cap andthe coupling device and to fix them in the coupled configuration. Forexample, a locking collar or locking ring can be used. Furthermore, thefirst probe is pushed onto the first closure insert of the cap therebydisengaging the first closure insert with the first shoulder andengaging the first closure insert with the coupling front section of theprobe. Furthermore the second probe is pushed onto the second closureinsert thereby disengaging the second closure insert with the secondshoulder and engaging the second closure insert with the coupling frontsection of the second probe. Additionally, a low pressure is appliedwithin a first conduct which is connected to the first probe.

Moreover, the step of opening an air inlet valve, which is connected tothe second conduct and/or the second probe, is carried out therebyallowing an air flow from outside of the container into the container.Further, at least a part of the liquid is sucked through extractionaperture of the first probe and through the first conduct out of thecontainer. After the desired amount of the desired liquid has beentransferred the both probes are pulled backwards to disengage the firstclosure insert and the second closure insert from the respective probeand to re-press both closure inserts in a fluid tight engagement withthe corresponding opening of the springless cap. Finally the couplingdevice is de-coupled from the cap and removed there from therebyproviding an automatic fluid tight closing mechanism. In other words,when the coupling device is de-coupled from the cap the first and secondopenings of the springless cap are automatically re-sealed by engagingthe two closure inserts in a fluid tight manner with the respectiveprotrusions within the openings.

FIG. 22 schematically shows a tamper evident cap 2200 which can bepositioned on top of the first and second openings of a springless capin accordance with exemplary embodiment of the invention. The tamperevident cap 2200 can also be used as dust protection and can be used andplaced on top of the cap several times. The tamper evident cap 2200 canbe fixed on the cap by means of friction between the two circularelements 2203 and 2204 and between corresponding walls of the openingsof the cap. The tamper evident cap 2200 comprises a top plane 2201 atwhich a grasping element 2202 is provided. In the perspective, sectionalview of the tamper evident cap in FIG. 22 the two circular elements 2203and 2204 are shown as a semi circles. They are provided for beingengaged with the openings of the cap and to close said openings.Moreover, grooves 2202 and 2206 are positioned at the circular walls2203 and 2204 and are shown. Tamper evident cap 2200 may level withelements 1901 and 1902 when it is inserted into cap 1901.

FIG. 23 schematically shows a cross section through a cap 2300 as usedin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A firstclosure insert 2313 and a second closure insert 2314 are provided.Moreover, the first probe 2309 is partially shown in FIG. 23 as well assecond probe 2310. In particular, the coupling sections of the first andsecond probes are depicted here. The cap 2300 of FIG. 23 comprises aninternal thread 2307. Moreover, the locking means 2308 facilitate anengagement with a locking collar. The first closure insert 2313comprises several radially deformable sidewalls 2301 and 2302. Moreover,the second closure insert 2314 comprises several radially deformablesidewalls 2303 and 2304. The radially deformable sidewalls are eachadapted to releasably engage with the respective shoulder 2305 and 2306of the respective openings of the cap. As can be gathered from surface2311 of the first probe 2309 and the surface 2312 of the first closureinsert 2313 a form closure, at least partially, between the couplingsection of the first probe and the first closure insert is provided. Thesame holds true in a similar way for the combination of the second probeand the second closure insert. Consequently, by axially pushing theclosure inserts towards the bottom of the container, i.e. from the topto the bottom of FIG. 23, the radially deformable sidewalls 2301, 2302,2303 and 2304, are deflected inwardly and they move into a respectiverecess of the probe. Said recesses are embodied in the example of FIG.23 as a circumferentially extending deepening. However, also otherembodiments are possible. For example, the probes may comprise anelastically deformable section which can be compressed by the radiallydeformable sidewalls during their deflection. Due to the radialdeflection along the inward direction the closure inserts are disengagedwith the shoulders of 2305 and 2306 and due to the applied pressure theclosure inserts are coupled with the probes, i.e. engaged with theprobes. Thus, by further pushing the respective closure inserts with therespective probes the cap can be opened at the first and secondopenings. Furthermore, upon axially pulling the closure inserts 2313,2314 from the disengaged configuration and in a direction away from thebottom of the container body (i.e. from the bottom to the top of FIG.23), the closure inserts can be reengaged with the correspondingshoulder 2305, 2306 such that the corresponding opening of the cap 2300is again fluid tightly closed. Moreover, FIG. 23 shows recessions orgrooves 2315, 2316 and 2317 which are positioned in the cap forenhancing the deflectability of the engaging parts of the cap. Thecircumferential walls as described herein engage with the correspondingclosure inserts 2313, 2314 such that said walls having the shoulders2305, 2306 have an increased flexibility. Upon pressing the closureinserts out of the engagement with these walls, the walls can thusdeflect outwardly.

FIGS. 24a and 24b are two depictions of one system for draining andventing a container according to one exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. In particular FIG. 24a shows a cross section through thesystem 2400. On top of springless cap 2401 the locking collar or lockingring 2402 is positioned wherein the claw/protrusion 2415 engages withthe corresponding claw/protrusion 2416 at the locking collar 2402.Moreover a probe holder 2403 is shown which comprises a first opening2412 and a second opening 2413 in which the first and second probes canbe inserted. Moreover, an air inlet valve 2411 is schematically shown inFIG. 24a . Cap 2401 comprises an internal thread 2410 and can be screwedonto the neck of an inlet opening of a container. The second probe 2405is depicted in FIG. 24a and also a spring 2404 which is part of thecoupling device is shown. It should be noted, that the spring 2404 isnot needed and used for the mechanism for opening and closing theclosure inserts in the first and second openings of the cap. Instead,spring 2404 is used for pushing the sleeve 306 or jacket over theextraction apertures of the probe 2404 as the spring exerts a force ontothe sleeve. This mechanism will be described in more detail in thecontext of another embodiment, the embodiment of FIG. 18. Moreover,spring 2404 improves the decoupling process. Consequently, due to theclosure being-automatically induced by the spring, no leaking water orcrop protection chemical is spilled during the draining or fillingprocess. Moreover, the user is protected from coming into contact withthe parts which guide the liquid. However, for the procedure ofdisengaging or engaging the first and second closure inserts with theshoulders of the circumferential walls the spring 2404 is not relevantand has no function. Therefore, the closing mechanism of provided by thecap is based on springless technology. Consequently also the cap 2401 ofFIGS. 24a and 24b is a springless cap. Moreover, housings 2407 and 2408are shown and cap 2401 comprises edges or protrusions 2414 for providinga good grip for the user during screwing the cap onto the container.Further, a propeller 2409 is shown, which is installed within thecontainer and which can be driven by the incoming rinsing water andwhich distributes the water within the container during washing.

FIG. 25 schematically shows a combination 2500 comprising a springlesscap 2501 in which a nozzle 2502 is inserted. The nozzle has openings onits bottom. Moreover, the closure insert 2503 is depicted in FIG. 25 inits engaging position in which the opening of the cap is fluid tightlyclosed. The nozzle 2502 increases the cleaning efficiency during washingor cleaning the container by means of the herein presented closedtransfer system. Moreover, the nozzle prevents an air shortcut in casehigh viscosity materials are used. In other words, the air which isguided into the container via the coupling device and via the cap coulddisadvantageously be sucked directly out of the system which mightnegatively affect the transferring rate.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention a propeller2409, see FIG. 24a , is installed within the container which is drivenby the incoming rinsing water and which distributes the water within thecontainer during washing.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A container for transporting and storing a liquidand with a dual function closure, the container comprising: a containerbody with at least one inlet opening; and a springless cap for closingthe inlet opening of the container body; wherein the cap is attached tothe inlet opening of the container body; wherein the cap comprises afirst opening and a second opening; wherein the cap comprises a firstclosure insert and a second closure insert; wherein the first opening issurrounded by a first circumferential wall; wherein the firstcircumferential wall comprises a first shoulder; wherein the secondopening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall; wherein thesecond circumferential wall comprises a second shoulder; wherein thefirst closure insert releasably engages with the first shoulder suchthat the first opening is fluid tightly closed; wherein the secondclosure insert releasably engages with the second shoulder such that thesecond opening is fluid tightly closed; and wherein the cap comprises alocking means adapted to engage with a locking interface of a couplingdevice.
 22. The container of claim 21, wherein the container is a plantprotection container for transporting and storing a plant protectionchemical, and wherein the container body contains a plant protectionchemical and/or a plant protection adjuvant.
 23. The container of claim21, wherein the container is a food and/or beverage container fortransporting and storing food and/or beverage, and wherein the containerbody contains a food or beverage.
 24. The container of claim 21, whereinthe locking means is positioned at the top surface of the cap.
 25. Thecontainer of claim 21, wherein the locking means is embodied as aprotrusion, and wherein the protrusion is configured to engage with acorresponding protrusion of the coupling device.
 26. The container ofclaim 21, wherein the locking means is configured as a first part of abayonet mount for being engaged with a second part of the bayonet mountat the coupling device.
 27. The container of claim 21, wherein the firstopening has a first diameter and the second opening has a seconddiameter, and wherein the first and second diameters are different fromeach other.
 28. The container of claim 21, wherein the first and thesecond closure insert each engage with the corresponding shoulder suchthat upon axially pushing one of the closure inserts towards a bottom ofthe container body said closure insert disengages with the correspondingshoulder to be in a disengaged configuration, and wherein upon axiallypulling said closure insert from the disengaged configuration and in adirection away from the bottom of the container body said closure insertre-engages with the corresponding shoulder such that the correspondingopening is again fluid tightly closed.
 29. The container of claim 21,wherein the first closure insert comprises at least one radiallydeformable sidewall; wherein the second closure insert comprises atleast one radially deformable sidewall; wherein the radially deformablesidewall of the first closure insert is adapted to releasably engagewith the first shoulder; and wherein the radially deformable sidewall ofthe second closure insert is adapted to releasably engage with thesecond shoulder.
 30. The container of claim 21, wherein the capcomprises a tamper evident cap on top of the first and second openingsand/or a tamper evident band attached to a rim of the cap.
 31. Thecontainer of claim 21, wherein the container comprises a thread and thecap comprises a thread for being threadedly engaged with each other; andwherein the thread of the cap is embodied as an external thread.
 32. Thecontainer of claim 21, further comprising a dip tube, and wherein thefirst circumferential wall comprises a circumferential groove in whichthe dip tube is inserted.
 33. A system for draining and venting acontainer, the system comprising: a coupling device configured to bemechanically coupled to a springless cap of the container to be in acoupled configuration; the coupling device comprising: a first probeconfigured to be inserted into a first opening of the cap; and a secondprobe configured to be inserted into a second opening of the cap;wherein the coupling device is configured, when in the coupledconfiguration, to disengage a first closure insert of the cap from afirst shoulder of the cap by axially pushing the first closure insertwith the first probe; and wherein the coupling device is configured,when in the coupled configuration, to disengage a second closure insertof the cap from a second shoulder of the cap by axially pushing thesecond closure insert with the second probe; and a locking interfaceconfigured for locking the coupling device with the cap of thecontainer.
 34. The system of claim 33, the system comprising a containerfor transporting and storing a liquid and with a dual function closure.35. The system of claim 33, wherein the locking interface is embodied asa locking collar comprising a protrusion.
 36. The system of claim 33,wherein the locking interface is configured as a second part of abayonet mount for being engaged with a first part of the bayonet mountat the cap of the container.
 37. The system of claim 33, wherein thelocking interface is configured as a rotatable element which is at leastpartially rotatable around the first and second probe of the couplingdevice.
 38. The system of claim 33, the coupling device comprising: afirst sleeve configured to cover a first extraction aperture of thefirst probe; a first spring exerting a force onto the first sleeveforcing the first sleeve towards a position in which the firstextraction aperture is covered by the first sleeve; a second sleeveconfigured to cover a second extraction aperture of the second probe;and a second spring exerting a force onto the second sleeve forcing thesecond sleeve towards a position in which the second extraction apertureis covered by the second sleeve.
 39. The system of claim 33, wherein thefirst probe comprises a first extraction aperture and a first innerchannel which is connected to the first extraction aperture; wherein thefirst probe has a coupling front section adapted to couple with thefirst closure insert, such that upon pushing the first probe onto thefirst closure insert, the coupling front section couples with the firstclosure insert when in its engagement with the first shoulder and uponfurther pushing of the first probe onto the first closure insert forcesthe first closure insert off its engagement with the first shoulder suchthat the first extraction aperture is accessible from an inner volume ofthe container body; wherein the second probe comprises a secondextraction aperture and a second inner channel which is connected to thesecond extraction aperture; and wherein the second probe has a couplingfront section adapted to couple with the second closure insert, suchthat upon pushing the second probe onto the second closure insert, thecoupling front section couples with the second closure insert when inits engagement with the second shoulder and upon further pushing of thesecond probe onto the second closure insert forces the second closureinsert off its engagement with the second shoulder such that the secondextraction aperture is accessible from an inner volume of the containerbody.
 40. A method of transporting a liquid from a container to adestination outside of the container, the method comprising: providingfor the container having a container body which comprises the liquid;wherein the container body comprises at least one inlet opening and aspringless cap attached to the inlet opening closing the inlet opening;wherein the cap comprises a first opening, a second opening, a firstclosure insert and a second closure insert; wherein the first opening issurrounded by a first circumferential wall, and the firstcircumferential wall comprises a first shoulder; wherein the secondopening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall and the secondcircumferential wall comprises a second shoulder; wherein the firstclosure insert releasably engages with the first shoulder such that thefirst opening is fluid tightly closed and the second closure insertreleasably engages with the second shoulder such that the second openingis fluid tightly closed; wherein the cap comprises a locking meansadapted to engage with a locking interface of a coupling device; themethod further comprising: coupling the container via the springless capwith a coupling device thereby inserting a first probe of the couplingdevice into the first opening of the cap and inserting a second probe ofthe coupling device into the second opening of the cap thereby engaginga locking interface of the coupling device with the locking means of thecap such that the coupling device and the cap of the container arefixed; disengaging the first closure insert and the first shoulder byaxially pushing the first closure insert by the first probe and/ordisengaging the second closure insert and the second shoulder by axiallypushing the second closure insert by the second probe; and transportingthe liquid from the container body through at least one of the firstopening and the second opening to the destination outside of thecontainer.